These days, facial treatments are very common. You can get different kinds of facial treatments (or facials) at beauty salons, fitness centers and spas. There are facials for men and women. The cost varies from a paltry sum to whopping, unbelievable amounts. Since there are no industry standards, it is difficult to know whether the treatment you receive is giving you good value or whether somebody is taking you for a ride. Most people don’t even know whether they need a
facial treatment or how often these need to be done so they can really deliver what they promise. So, here are some answers.

The basic facial treatment demystified

A facial treatment aims to do the following:

Clean the face and neck thoroughly

Moisturize

Relax facial and neck muscles

Improve blood circulation in the face and neck

The procedures that you commonly find in different facial treatments are designed to achieve the above aims. For instance, most facial treatments begin with a scrub which may be followed by gentle steaming. These steps pull out dirt, grime and dead cells from the surface as well as the deep pores in the skin. In this way, the treatment prevents accumulation of dirt, development of skin problems and skin infection. A facial treatment is incomplete without a relaxing massage of the entire face and neck.

This is the basic facial treatment. Many places offer a number of value added services. Some centers offer you special massages for the delicate area around the eye. This is a good idea because the oil/cream and the delicate touch reduce wrinkle formation in these vulnerable areas. Some facial treatments include a mudpack or a treatment pack. Mudpacks make the skin firm. Treatment packs contain nourishing vitamins or minerals that feed the skin.

Specialized treatments are also available. For example, there are special facial treatments for teens as their skin tends to release a lot of sebum. Many teens suffer from acne and pimple attacks, so ordinary facial treatments may not work for them. Then, there are specialized treatments for different skin types. Oily skin is the hardest to maintain.

Who needs facial treatments?

Just about everybody. The human face is exposed to some of harshest conditions. It is exposed to harmful UV rays, dirt and pollutants. To make matters worse, there are a number of enemies from within. The kind of food you eat, your genes, your age and your sex affects your skin. Childhood diseases can leave blemishes on your skin. In the teens, you may have an acne attack. In your thirties, you may see the development of wrinkles. So, problems of the skin never cease. As a result, there is no age or sex bar for a good facial treatment. Everyone can benefit from such a treatment provided it is carried out hygienically and by experts.

How often you need a facial treatment depends on two factors: your skin type and age. Generally, a teenager needs it more often than a person in their thirties. Oily skin and combination skin are more prone to dirt buildup. But there are other factors involved too. For example, if you are in the habit of using makeup, regular facial treatments cleanse your skin. If you are regularly exposed to the sun, cooling facial treatments can soothe and heal you and leave you looking young and healthy.

When the facial treatment is done correctly, it can keep your skin healthy and rejuvenated. But choose your skin care specialist carefully because when it comes to your face, you cannot take any chances.